We invest in expensive makeup, we read up on how to perfectly apply it, and we take the time every morning to put it on with perfect precision. We do this, so that we can cover up those fine lines and wrinkles without looking like we’re wearing makeup. We do this so that we can achieve that perfect moist and dewy look without our skin looking oily. So that we can add that subtle, yet vibrant boost of color to our eyes, making them stand out, and so that we can achieve those perfect lips- plump and pouty without being too whorish looking.

And isn’t it disappointing when you dedicate all that time to achieve the seemingly impossible, only to have your makeup slide off your face a few hours later?!!

Well ladies, keep reading, because below I’ve included some fabulous makeup tricks on how to get long lasting makeup -so that it stay on all day long or all evening out!

Let’s start with the very basics - moisturizer. Its important to properly hydrate your skin before applying makeup,as your makeup needs something to stick to (for those of you with oily skin, it’s best to use an oil free moisturizer). You do not want to apply your makeup right after, as you need to provide your skin with enough time to properly absorb the moisture, otherwise your makeup will simply slide right off. Therefore, it’s best to wait 10 - 20 minutes first.

The next step is to apply a makeup primer. Primers provide a clean ‘base’ to your makeup and absorb excess oils, providing your makeup with long lasting power. They also have built in moisturizing power, so unless your skin is particularly dry, you can actually use a primer in place of a moisturizer. Some of the popular ones include NARS makeup primer (which has the added benefit of built in SPF 20), Smashbox photo finish foundation primer, or ***** Minerals Neroli setting mist- which is actually sprayed on after makeup application, rather than before, and provides you with a radiant glow.

After the primer, apply a liquid foundation. Oil based foundations tend to provide better coverage than the oil free ones, however they also slide off more quickly. So unless you really need the heavy coverage, opt for an oil-free foundation. I find that the “mousse” consistency foundations also stay on quite well, like Biotherm.

To ensure that your foundation is set in place, dust a light layer of loose powder on top. This helps “seal” in your makeup and blot any excess oils that may develop,providing your makeup with long lasting power.

If you have really oily skin, you might want to try carrying around oil blotting pads (clean and clear makes excellent cheap ones). By blotting up excessive oil throughout the day, you’ll help stop your makeup from “sliding off” your face, keeping it in place, where it belongs!

Next choose a blush. Your best option is cheek stain, it stays on the longest. Cheek stain can provide some pretty powerful color though, and it can also be a bit difficult to spread. In which case the next great alternative is a powder based blush, as those tend to stay on much longer than cream blushes. If you choose to use bronzer instead of brush, also go for the powder version over any of the creamy or liquid options.

After applying blush, head up toward the eyes. For eye shadow that stays on all day long, try prepping your lids first with an eye primer - like Benefit cosmetics FY eye, or moisturizer, and then dab on a light layer of foundation to follow. Wait for it set and then apply your eyeshadow. This should make it last double as long!

If you use eyeliner, although eye pencil will provide you with a slightly more natural look, liquid eyeliner will stay on the longest.

When applying mascara, opt for a waterproof one - you never know when you might feel the need to cry, or when it may just start raining. Make sure to apply multiple coats for thicker lashes and la long lasting stay.

And finally, your lips. Avoid using lip-balm right before applying lip color- it makes your makeup slide right off. Apply lip pencil all around the edges and then color in the insides with pencil too. Dab on a drop of foundation to fill in the cracks, and then brush on loose powder to set. Proceed to apply your lipstick as usual.

Matte lipsticks are preferred.While they may be drying, they tend to stay on much longer then their “moisture providing” counterparts. If you’re looking a “wet” finish, you might want to apply a layer of sheer gloss on top.

And now you’re finished - so relax and enjoy! There are a million things you have to worry about or remember throughout the day, but reapplying your makeup is simply not one of them!

By: Anne McNealy

About the Author: